Chapter Twelve

Nick shook his head, hoping to remove the buzzing in his ears. He felt the warmth drain from his cheeks. His stomach clenched as if being hit by a strong blow. He stared blankly past Katrina. Nick couldn’t look at the woman who had betrayed him. “Katrina didn’t mention she was engaged.” He wished for her to open her mouth and deny this man’s statement as untrue.

“We haven’t officially made the announcement.” Pierre lifted Katrina’s left hand. “Where’s your ring?”

“In my jewelry box. The ring is too big. I didn’t want to lose it.”

Her voice was low, but Nick heard every word confirming the French man’s story. “Well, I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone to catch up.” He walked with rushed footsteps to his truck.

“Pierre, I need to speak to Nick for a moment. Would you mind waiting in the cabin? Take my keys.”

Nick heard the rattle of keys and a door open and close. He reached his truck and gripped the handle until his knuckles turned white. He then opened the door and hoisted himself onto the seat.

“Nick, wait!”

He started the truck, revving the engine hard. His breaths were labored under the weight crushing his heart.

Katrina ran to the truck, clutching the open window in her hands. “Please let me explain.”

“I understand. You’re engaged to another man.” With stiff moves, Nick pried her fingers from the window. “The news of your fiancé would have been nice to know a bit sooner.” Before I gave you my heart. She reached for his arm, but he pushed at her hand.

Tears misted her brown eyes. “Nick, I wanted to tell you. I tried—”

Jaw clenched tight, he glared. “You didn’t try hard enough. You could have slipped your engagement into any conversation. You’ve been here a few weeks and said nothing.” What made him the angriest was that she continued to keep her dirty little secret even after he told her about his past. “What was I? Summer amusement? Thought you’d have one more fling before getting hitched?”

“No, I’d never.” Biting her lip, she wrapped her arms around her chest. “I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you or to lead you on.”

He hated to see her cry and longed to brush the tears from her cheeks, but kept his hands wrapped around the steering wheel. “Your fiancé is waiting. We have nothing more to say to each other.” Nick shifted the gear into drive.

Katrina stepped back but extended a hand in his direction. “Nick, please.”

His throat aching, he shook his head and pulled out of the driveway, forcing himself not to look back. Katrina had betrayed him in the worst possible way. A man should learn from the past, and to not make the mistake again.

Getting over Katrina wouldn’t be so easy.

****

Katrina wiped the tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand. Nick was gone and she had no one to blame but herself. She had multiple opportunities to reveal her secret. Nick stopped her a few times, but she should have insisted. He’d never forgive her dishonesty. Her heart ached. She’d lost the man of her dreams. Releasing a heavy sigh, she remembered the man in her cabin and walked there with heavy steps.

Pierre pushed to his feet from the sofa. “Is everything okay?”

“Not really.” She slipped off her shoes.

“Problems during the renovation?” His gaze lingered over her face.

She hoped her eyes didn’t show any sign of crying. “Nothing I can’t handle.” Katrina threw her handbag on the kitchen table, disappointed in the night’s disastrous events.

Pierre reached for her hand. “Would you like me to speak to Mr. Porter?”

“No, I don’t need you talk to Nick!” She stepped back, avoiding any type of physical contact. This mess wasn’t Pierre’s fault. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap. The renovation and handling the café’s business from a distance are taking its toll.”

“Well, I’m here to rescue you.” He waved a hand around the room. “Let’s start by getting you out of this dingy little shack.”

Katrina tensed and then put her hands on her hips. “What’s wrong with the cabin? This was my favorite place as a little girl. The cabin has the main necessities, and I bought new furniture.”

Shaking his head, he put a hand over his mouth. “Tsk, tsk, this is no place for a woman of your class. If anyone from Paris caught wind of you staying here…” With a narrowed gaze, he glanced around the room again, his lips pinched into a tight line. “They’d think With-Her-Spoon Cafés was in financial distress. Pack your things. I’ll call the hotel to reserve a second room.”

“Pierre, I don’t care what anyone thinks, and I’m not going anywhere.” While Pierre was a charming gentleman, he could be a bit of a snob. His pretentious manner gave her a peek into what may be forthcoming in a future with Pierre. She didn’t like this side of him one bit.

“Ma chèrie, I don’t want to argue. I interrupted your supper. You must be hungry and you’re dressed too beautiful to dine here. We’ll have something to eat at the hotel restaurant.”

She rolled her eyes. If having supper with Pierre meant getting this night over, then so be it. Katrina picked up her handbag.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“What?” Irritation filled her voice, but she didn’t care. Pierre’s appearance had ruined her night.

“Your ring?”

Right, that dreaded ring. She went to her room, opened the jewelry box, and slipped the diamond on her finger. “Here.” Katrina waved her hand. The French pavé ring weighed heavily on her finger. “Can we go now?”

During their meal, Pierre updated her on the latest news regarding the cafés and the social gossip amongst their society friends. She briefly informed him about her findings regarding her biological father. His concern was genuine, and his questions overwhelming. Not knowing why Samuel had abandoned her only added to the pain she carried from Nick’s hasty departure.

Katrina declined dessert and a second glass of wine. She barely tasted the lobster plate Pierre insisted she order. All she wanted was to escape to the cabin. Thankfully, the long flight from Paris consumed Pierre’s energy. He accompanied her to the car and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. He then advised her of his plan to stay in town a few days, hoping to convince her to leave for home.

Home? She thought she was already home.

If she had only returned Pierre’s calls this whole nightmare would have been avoided. She was touched by his concern and he had travelled hours to make sure she was okay. Pierre was a dear friend and wonderful man. Katrina cared for him deeply. Unfortunately, his timing couldn’t have been worse.

When she arrived home, she went to her bedroom and unzipped her dress. She stepped out of the black silk and then tossed her necklace and earrings on the table. After pulling a nightdress over her head, she headed to the living room. Tears slipped down her cheeks as she slouched on the sofa and wrapped the blanket around her shoulders.

Why was happiness so complicated? Katrina was angry with her grandmother for forcing her to return to Montreal, angry with her parents for not telling her about Samuel, angry with Samuel for not wanting her, and mostly angry with herself for not telling Nick the truth.

The plan was to get in and out of Montreal within a few days. Somewhere along the way, those few days turned into a couple of weeks. As Katrina’s love rekindled for her childhood home, she felt the grief and isolation subside. She had found Nick…and love. Could she convince him to forgive her?

At some point during the night, Katrina gave in to fatigue and allowed sleep to win. She awoke to a persistent banging on the door. She sprang from the sofa, slipped the blanket around her body, and peeked out the window. She hurried to the door to let in Frankie.

“Where have you been? I’ve been leaving you messages all night.” Frankie rubbed her belly.

“Are you okay?” Katrina held her friend’s elbow and guided her to the closest chair.

“I’m fine,” she said, puffing several deep breaths. “Pre-labor contractions.”

“You’re in labor?” She flinched from the bite of her nails indenting the palm of her hand. Katrina stared at her friend through wide eyes.

Frankie laughed and waved a hand. “Relax, I’m a pro at having babies now. They’re just Braxton Hicks contractions.”

“Shouldn’t you contact your doctor?”

“No, not necessary. I have an appointment tomorrow and besides, the cramps are gone now.” Frankie sat back, exhaling slowly. “So, what’s up? I’ve been worried.”

“I’m sorry. I turned off my phone for some peace and quiet.” If only she could turn off her thoughts as easily, and escape the chaos she had created.

“That’s not surprising after what you just found out about your real father.”

Katrina forced a smile, grinding her teeth at the same time. “I’m in disbelief about having another father, which I know nothing about, or if he’s even alive.”

“What are you going to do?”

Run back to Montreal. “Nick said he’d ask a friend to check on Samuel.”

“That’s really sweet of him.”

“Yes, but he may have changed his mind.” Katrina raised her left hand. The large diamond ring glittered in the ray of sunlight, shining through the living room window.

Frankie gasped and reached out. “Oh, my goodness, I knew you two were falling for each other, but didn’t think you’d move this fast.”

“This isn’t from Nick.” She could only wish. “Pierre gave me this ring.”

“Pierre?” Her jaw dropped. “Who’s Pierre?”

“Pierre Harrington, my fiancé,” she blurted.

“Could you reverse the tape?” Frankie fidgeted to the edge of the chair. “I think I missed something.”

Katrina went to the kitchen and set the kettle on the hot plate, flicking the switch. “I need something stiffer, but tea will have to do. Let me get dressed, and I’ll explain the whole sordid mess.”

Black capris and a yellow T-shirt were lying on the dresser, making Katrina’s choice an easy one. She removed the price tags and dressed before washing her face and brushing her teeth. When she returned to the kitchen, she poured two cups of lemon tea. Katrina set Frankie’s tea on the living room table and then wrapped her hands around her own warm tea cup. She told her friend the straight-to-the-point version of Pierre, explaining her grandmother had hired Pierre as a manager, she and Pierre work closely together, and they are good friends.

“I’m lost again.” Frankie shook her head. “You’re friends? When did you fall in love? When did he ask you to marry him?”

This is where everything gets complicated. “We’re always together. We’ve attended so many business meetings and social functions together. An engagement seemed like the next step.” As Katrina said the words, she realized how foolish her last statement sounded.

“You’re talking about a man you’re friends with at work, not one you’re head-over-heels-in-love with for life.” Frankie folded her arms over her round belly. “Do you love Pierre?”

Katrina placed her teacup on the saucer and sat straight on the sofa. She opened her mouth, but nothing came. How could she tell her best friend she agreed to an engagement under duress after her grandmother’s passing, and that her heart was never involved in the decision? She’d sound like a complete idiot.

“You never once mentioned you were dating, and now you nonchalantly tell me you’re engaged. I’m your best friend, Katrina.” Frankie scowled, eyebrows furrowing and lips pursing. “Why would you keep such important news a secret?”

Stomach in a knot, she twirled the heavy ring around her finger. “When Gram was in the hospital, she held my hand, and Pierre’s. She didn’t want us to be alone. Pierre blurted out that we wouldn’t be lonely, because we were engaged.” Katrina remembered having to close her drooping jaw, and wanted to wrap her hands around Pierre’s neck when he produced a ring that evening. “He thought by telling Gram this story, she’d pass without worry. Gram’s condition deteriorated quickly that night. She couldn’t talk, but she spoke in actions. She squeezed my hand, staring at the ring and then me. I can only assume the idea of Pierre and I getting married put her at peace. Once she passed, we honored Gram by following her wishes.”

“You’re still engaged to be married because of a stupid lie you think made your dying grandmother happy? That’s absurd!” She raised her arms in the air and then let them fall to her side. “What about love?”

She sighed. Love wasn’t meant to be. “I admit, I may not passionately love Pierre, but I do care.” That was the truth.

“So, Nick knows about this mess?”

Katrina took another sip of tea, swallowing the liquid past the lump in her throat. “He found out last night—when Pierre arrived unannounced.”

Frankie’s face paled.

“We were on our way to dinner, and Pierre arrived in a cab. I should have told Nick about Pierre. Nick was upset. I’ve ruined everything.” Katrina blinked rapidly, hoping to prevent tears from falling. “Now he won’t talk. I’ve broken his trust. He’ll never forgive me.” She continued to ramble. “I’m so confused. I want to stay and repair our relationship, but I made a promise to Pierre, and to Gram.”

“But you love Nick.”

Frankie’s statement wasn’t a question. A rush of tears gathered at the corner of Katrina’s eyes. “Nick deserves someone better, someone who can love him completely.” She blinked back tears, and her heart sank.

With effort, Frankie wiggled out from the chair and waddled to the sofa. She sat beside Katrina, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. “Love always prevails. This mess will work itself out.”

If only I believed that. Katrina hugged her friend and then escorted Frankie to her car. “Call me as soon as you arrive home. And no more driving. You’re on strict orders to rest.”

“I promise.” Frankie smiled and drove away.

Once Katrina received Frankie’s call, she sighed. Knowing her friend was home safe gave her some relief. She changed into a pair of shorts and stepped into her running shoes, praying the physical exertion would clear her head. No matter how hard she fought to ignore him, she couldn’t banish Nick from her thoughts. She wondered where he’d gone last night and if he was okay. Katrina increased her pace. Moisture dripped down her back and gathered at her temples. She turned the volume higher on her iPod, hoping the music would disconnect her troubled thoughts.

When she returned to the cabin, she showered and changed before picking up a box of doughnuts for the crew. They took a quick break to enjoy the sugar fix before returning to work. Several of the crew wore masks over their noses and mouths to protect from the plaster dust filling the air. Hammers banged upstairs and reciprocating saws vibrated the walls. She left them to their work, her hopes of seeing Nick crushed.

A few days passed and no sign of Nick. He hadn’t been to the house, at least not to her knowledge. Dean had said Nick was working on another project. Katrina longed to see him. She wanted to call him, just to hear his voice and know he was okay, but she didn’t. He deserved to be angry.

Instead of wallowing in despair alone in the cabin, Katrina visited Frankie every morning after jogging. She wouldn’t allow her friend to discuss Nick or Pierre. Katrina didn’t want her anxiety causing Frankie any stress, so their conversations were restricted to food, clothes, shoes, and all the shopping they’d do after Frankie gave birth.

Thankfully, the days passed quickly, and the renovation neared completion. Katrina gave Pierre a tour of the island, showing him many of the historical sites, as well as her favorite childhood spots such as her old school, the underground shopping malls and restaurants, and the library—where Nick’s truck was nowhere to be found. To hide her disappointment, she bit her lip and forced the tears to fade.

She took Pierre to meet Frankie and Thomas. The men had nothing in common, but managed to get along amicably. To Katrina’s relief, the topic of the engagement never once came up in conversation.

Later that evening, Pierre requested a swim in the lake. Katrina changed into her bathing suit while he collected wood for the fire. The relaxing swim and a glass of wine while sitting by the fire alleviated her distress for a few minutes. The moon glistening over the lake, the mesmerizing flames, and crackling of the fire created a textbook intimate setting, yet she and Pierre sat with the fire between them. Not the picture of a cuddling couple in love. Her heart belonged to another man—one she wished was right here, right now. She swiped the tear before it fell.

Katrina felt her patience dwindle on the gaps of silence during their conversation. Pierre commented on the late hour, and she pressed her lips tight, crushing a smile, He collected the bag, holding his wet swim trunks, from the cabin and kissed her cheek. She locked the door behind him and prepared a pot of tea. While she waited for the water to boil, Katrina changed from her shorts and T-shirt into a nightdress. She lifted her robe off the bed. A knock on the door had her wrapping the belt tightly around her waist and running to the kitchen.

She assumed Pierre was returning for his hotel key he had left on the kitchen table. Katrina opened the door, dangling the key from her fingertips. “Looking for this?” Her shock of finding Nick standing on her doorstep was replaced by sheer delight. “Nick.” Katrina’s pulse soared.

****

Nick stared at the object in her hand. “I apologize for stopping by at this late hour, but I have some information.”

“Please come in.” She waved a hand toward the living room.

Nick stepped inside, but stood by the door.

“Pierre forgot his key.”

He cringed. The sound of the other man’s name caused his stomach to knot and sour.

“I was about to make some tea with brandy. Would you care for a cup?”

He ran a hand across the thick stubble on his chin. “You’re obviously expecting your fiancé, so I’ll just tell you the news I have about your father.”

Katrina’s eyebrows shot up. “I didn’t think you’d contact your friend, especially after what happened—”

“You mean how you forgot to tell me you were engaged?” Bitterness hung from the tip of Nick’s words. He shrugged. “I told you I would help, and I’m a man of my word.”

“What did you find?”

“Samuel is alive and lives out West.”

Katrina gripped the back of a kitchen chair and swayed.

Stupid! Nick shouldn’t have blurted out his findings as if they wouldn’t have any ill affect. He rushed to her side, putting an arm around her waist and urging her to sit. Reaching toward the sink, he grabbed a cloth and held it under the tap. “Are you okay?” He pressed the cold cloth to her forehead.

She shook her head. “What has my father been up to the past twenty-eight years?”

Nick tucked a strand of wayward hair behind her ear. “Samuel is in the military, so he wasn’t hard to find.” He paused. “He wants to see you.”

A gasp filled the air. Katrina ran to the sink, filled her palms with cold water, and splashed her face.

Nick passed her a towel, wishing he could hold her in his arms.

“How do you know this?” She dabbed her cheeks.

“He told me.” Damn! Nick was upset for her betrayal, but he didn’t want to hurt her in return. He needed to be more sensitive on how he relayed the information.

She staggered to the sofa and sank against the cushions, hugging a pillow to her chest. “You’ve spoken to him?”

“I contacted him after I received the information on his whereabouts.”

Katrina bent her head into her trembling hands.

Nick sat and rubbed her back, ignoring his racing pulse. “I told him I was a friend of yours and that you had recently discovered information about his relationship with your mother. He was very interested in knowing how you were taking the news and where you were living.”

She glanced up, eyes wide.

“He wanted to come to Montreal, but I told him to wait until we had a chance to discuss the situation. The next move is completely yours.”

“I should say ‘no’ and let him experience the rejection I feel.” Katrina inhaled a deep breath. “I don’t know what to do.”

Her thigh brushed against his. The small, yet close, encounter labored his breath. Nick shifted. “What does your heart want?” Gazing into her brown eyes wore down his guard. He had missed Katrina and lost count of how many times he picked up the phone to call.

“I guess I’m taking a trip west.” Her fingertips caressed his cheek. “Thank you for checking on Samuel. You’re the best.”

Those brown eyes mesmerized him. Nick leaned forward. Just one kiss.

A knock sounded on the door. He held her gaze. Another knock was followed by a louder, determined knock. Katrina didn’t move, but the knot in Nick’s stomach told him who was waiting. He stood and walked to the door.

“Oh,” Pierre said when Nick opened the door. “I forgot my key card.”

Nick chuckled. “That’s pretty lame. Do you really need an excuse to visit your fiancé? Or is this some type of weird game you play?”

“Excuse me?” Pierre stepped forward.

Katrina sprang to her feet and nudged her body between Nick and Pierre. “Pierre, Nick found Samuel Fisher. I’ve decided to go see him.”

“Are you sure you want to do that?” Pierre placed a hand on her arm.

Nick straightened his back and clenched his hands.

“Perhaps you should take some time to think about this matter. If your grandmother had wanted you to know about Mr. Fisher, she would have told you,” Pierre said. “I’m sure of that fact.”

“Are you really discouraging Katrina from seeing her father? That she shouldn’t get the answers she needs?” Nick couldn’t understand what Katrina saw in this stuck-up jerk.

“Mr. Porter, we appreciate your assistance finding Mr. Fisher, but your services and opinions are no longer required. I am here now and will be the one guiding…my fiancée.”

Katrina placed her hand on Nick’s chest, stopping his advancement on the other man.

“Stop, both of you.” Katrina grabbed Pierre’s arm and shoved him into the kitchen. “Pierre, I’m sorry if you think meeting Samuel is a bad idea, but I have to.”

Nick pulled an envelope from his back pocket and passed it to Katrina. “I thought you might decide to go, so I prepared a few arrangements for your trip.”

“That’s quite thoughtful of you, sending Katrina off to meet a man who never once contacted her.”

The mockery in Pierre’s tone was undeniable. Nick wanted to punch the man’s perfect French nose.

“Did anyone think to consider Mr. Fisher’s only interest in Katrina may be her money?” Deep lines creased Pierre’s forehead. “Perhaps he’s not the only one?”

Nick took a step forward, but Katrina walked into his path. He had to leave before he slugged the jerk in the face. “I have to go.”

“Thank you, Nick. Not only for this.” She held up the envelope and flashed a smile. “But for finding Samuel. Your help means a lot.”

“Anything to make this ordeal easier.”

Pierre put a hand on Katrina’s shoulder. “If meeting Mr. Fisher is what you want, I support your decision.”

Nick rolled his eyes and then turned to the door.

Katrina followed Nick to the front step and grabbed his sleeve. “Thank you.”

Her grateful smile weakened his knees. “If you need anything, just call.” He said the words, but hoped she wouldn’t contact him. Seeing her with another man was too hard. Katrina was marrying Pierre. Regardless of how Nick felt about her, he had no choice but to do the right thing and walk away.